Since our successful conference on September 28, Funding the Next Generation has been connecting with colleagues all over the state who are interested in dedicated funding - from Merced, to Shasta, to Santa Barbara, to Napa, Solano, Tehama, Sacramento, San Mateo - and more.  Many of you are at various stages of planning - from those starting out and thinking about a Children's Budget, to those preparing to place a measure on the ballot. 

Some county or city networks are working to develop a consensus around priority funding needs.  Others are sponsoring community events to share information with a broader network.  Many have started talking with elected officials about revenue measures, and some are considering how to do a poll.  Funding possibilities being contemplated range from a library bond, to soda taxes, to parcel taxes, to sales taxes. 

Call if you want help strategizing, inspiring your network, considering your policy options, assessing your civic culture or just getting started.  

Merced high school student, Fernando Almaraz (left at podium) questions candidates for Merced City Council in the community's first-ever youth-run candidate forum.  This creative strategy kicked off the year's Youth Budget advocacy, and resulted in commitments to expand recreation and youth jobs.  Merced's Building Healthy Communities, which sponsored the forum, is receiving technical assistance from Funding the Next Generation.

We are now planning for the launch of the next phase of Funding the Next Generation: the creation of an Institute.  Counties and cities will be invited to apply to be part of two different learning communities -  those that are ready to prepare for new local revenue streams, and those interested in building capacity in the local budget process and beginning to explore options.  Watch this space for forthcoming details about participation in the new institute.

RESEARCH NEEDED

The Institute is both a technical assistance, peer learning and organizing effort - as well as a research undertaking.  We are happy to report that the Public Administration Department of SF State University has agreed to be a partner  in this endeavor, and will help us explore such issues as:

• What type of organization(s) can be most effective in leading a local revenue strategy?  What variables contribute to the success of a lead agency/organization at various stages of a process?
• What is the difference between what can be accomplished at the county vs. the city-level?  What variables contribute to that difference?
• Can service providers be an effective core group of planners and organizers?  What are their limitations?  And strongest assets?
• What messages work best, particularly in small, conservative and/or rural communities in building support for local dedicated revenue streams?
• What is the time frame for achieving a Children's Budget and a dedicated revenue stream; how do the timelines vary; and what can be done to avoid dead-ends.